Spiritual Sunday

In my church, we don't have paid clergy. Each member serves in different areas at different times of their lives based on callings extended by our particular ward's leadership. We believe that the callings are inspired by personal revelation directly from God. For more questions you can go here

Our ward leader is called the Bishop. Bishops generally serve about 5 years, and he is basically the ward father. He leads, directs, counsels and oversees the physical,and spiritual needs of his ward flock.

I mentioned earlier this week that we were getting a new bishopric (bishop and his two counselors) today. We knew in our hearts that Splenda was safe. But most of the time, ward members begin speculating and wondering who might be called to be the next leader.

Our BFF's the B's have been in the ward as long as us. We have been through thick and thin together. S has been serving as the first counselor for the past couple of years and we have teased and joked with him that he was going to be the next bishop. He just smiles and calls us crazy, it's been an ongoing joke.

Well, you guessed it......S got called as the new bishop. To be honest, Splenda and I felt it earlier this week. Got the vibe, had the feeling and was just waiting for it to be official.

As we got to church this morning and saw their extended family members there, I just started bawling. S being called to bishop was an answer to prayer. My Tuffy needs someone who he has a strong relationship with, can talk to, respects and sees as his friend for this very pivotal time in his life. I am beyond thankful to my Father in Heaven for his inspired choice in Bishop S.

Bishop S is the most positive, cheerful, friendly man you will ever encounter. He has a way of bringing people in, making them feel good about themselves, and leaving them with hope that they might not have had before.

It has blessing in our lives to have these BFF's right across the street for 21 years. In fact, when we both first moved in, neither of us were active in the church. Slowly our ward, loved us right back in. We took Temple Prep classes together. Not once, but twice even! Then BFF's B's got smart and took their beautiful family to be sealed. Splenda and I had to take yet another round of Temple Prep classes. I finally joked with Splenda that if we didn't get it together and go, that we would be able to start teaching the course ourselves.

BFF B's have been right by our side through too many things to even begin to list. They are some of our dearest friends. We've had the joke that neither of us can move out of the neighborhood without the other. I can't imagine not having them right across the street. Now, they've gone and done it haven't they? I'm now stuck in my crackerbox house for the next 5 years!! : )

I am thankful for my testimony of inspiration. I have a testimony of prayer and that Heavenly Father knows each one us and our individual needs. I know that he provides answers to prayers, and that we too can gain testimony of leadership changes. We don't vote for our leaders in my church, we rely on Heavenly Father to prompt and inspire the callings. I know that to be true. Bishop S will do a great job at leading, unifying and spiritually feeding us.

My challenge? To remember to call him Bishop now and not Scooter : )

BFF B's - love your guts - thanks for your examples, friendship and love. Bishop - know that you are in our prayers and we will support and sustain you in any way you need us.

xoxoxox
C's